Vijay Malya, Tippu sword and Gandhi Memorabilia

Vijay Mallya won five heritage items that belongs to Mahatma Gandhi steel-rimmed spectacles, a pair of sandals, a Zenith pocket watch, an eating bowl and a plate in an auction by AntiquorumAuctioneers in New York for $1.8 million. Indian government tried its best to stop the auction and also offered to purchase these at the reserve price as it can’t participate in an auction. After rejecting the conditions put by James Otis Indians lost hope of bringing these things back to India. But the most passionated business man Vijay Mallya brought them back to India.

Few years back in 2004 Mallya had brought sword that belongs to Tippu Sultan from an auction in London fro Rs 1.5 crores. At that time it was considered as a political drama as he was leading Janata Party in election. Now it is completely dead and there is no sign of bringing it back to active politics. Even though he used the sword for his campaign it did not do any magic. He could not make his party win even a single assembly seat.

Now winning of auction of Gandhi memorabilia can not be just considered as a symbol of status. It is now attached to patriotism. Janata party is not there in politics. Mallya is always welknown for his fashionable habits. From horse race to Kingfisher bikini callender he is always shinmes as a business celebrity. Gandhiji was against alcohol. He always used to tell India should be alcohol free. But the liquor money is now used to bring Gandhi memorabilia back to India!!